New Delhi – The Indian government has identified six major developers capable of building foundational AI models within the next four to eight months, marking a significant step in the country’s push to establish itself as a global AI player.
While the cost and names of the developers remain undisclosed, the initiative signals India’s intent to compete in the global AI race, leveraging its technological expertise and vast linguistic and cultural diversity.
AI for India’s Needs
The government aims to develop AI models tailored specifically for India’s unique cultural and linguistic diversity, setting them apart from existing models developed in the West and China. As part of this strategy, authorities are exploring ways to deploy DeepSeek, a rising AI model, on Indian servers.
In March 2024, India announced a $1.25 billion investment under the IndiaAI mission, focused on supporting AI startups, building infrastructure, and fostering homegrown AI capabilities.
Procuring Chips and Compute Access
New Delhi is also collaborating with private firms to procure AI chips, a crucial element in model training and deployment. As part of this effort, ten Indian companies have acquired 19,000 AI chips, most of which were sourced from NVIDIA, one of the world’s leading suppliers.
To support broader AI research and development, the government is planning a common compute facility, functioning like a library where researchers, startups, and institutions can access high-performance computing resources.
- The facility will be government-managed, ensuring equitable access to superior computing power.
- Fees will range between $1 to $2 per hour, making AI development more affordable.
- AI chip access will be 40% cheaper due to government subsidies.
- 10,000 chips can be deployed immediately, according to government officials.
Lessons from DeepSeek and India’s AI Vision
At a recent event in Odisha, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed skepticism about India’s AI investment, citing China’s DeepSeek model as an example of efficient AI development.
“Some people question the amount of investments the government has committed in the IndiaAI mission. You have seen what DeepSeek has done? $5.5 million and a very, very powerful model. Because, the use of brain,” Vaishnaw said.
India’s AI ambitions come at a time when global competition in the sector is intensifying. The country seeks to balance affordability with innovation, creating AI models that cater to local needs while contributing to global advancements.
Remembering Sam Altman’s Remarks
India’s AI push also revives debates sparked by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who, in 2023, responded skeptically to an Indian entrepreneur’s question about whether India could build its own cutting-edge AI models. His response was met with criticism and renewed determination among Indian tech leaders to prove global competitiveness in the field.
With a structured investment plan, compute access, and growing expertise, India is now positioning itself as a serious player in AI development, with a focus on both technological innovation and economic accessibility.
